Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My experience was educational, epic, and unforgettable. Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 06/04/2012 to 06/30/2012 with

Universidad Veritas: San José - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the culture and importance of family. It was very worthwhile in every respect.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I put three stars, because I wanted to experience a lot of things in Costa Rica. Everything was very affordable, but it did cost money.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The university provided weekend or day packages that included meals, transportation, and fun all in one. It was a pretty good deal with little to no worry on your part.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High school Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? You should really take advantage of having a host family there to talk to.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I liked the relationships that I made with my host family and students all over the U.S.
  • I liked being able to explore the beautiful country of Costa Rica on the weekends.
* What could be improved?
  • I feel like I could've been more prepared by having information about my host family, and what I am going to be doing before I leave for my trip.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I would've gone for a longer period of time to learn the language and explore more.